A TOP Lancashire chef is set to take part in a second TV series tonight, competing to create a dinner fit for heroes returning from Afghanistan.

Nigel Haworth, chef and co-owner at Northcote, Langho, won the North of England heats in last year’s Great British Menu, on BBC2.

Now, he has been invited back to take part in this year’s show, competing against 15 other chefs to prepare the best homecoming meal.

In the first round Nigel, whose skills have earned him two Michelin stars, will go head-to-head with Aiden Byrne, former Dorchester Hotel chef, and the youngest ever to win a Michelin star.

But Nigel is confident his Lancashire flavours will meet the challenge, and after visiting military bases to experience the life and food of a soldier, he knows what he is up against.

He said: “I know the modern army has come a long way since the days of bully beef, but however good the food is on active service, nothing will compare with how good it will taste when they’re back, sitting around a table with their friends and families.”

The North West heat is the final one to be shown in the series, which began in March. If he wins, the Ribble Valley foodie will face competition from all over the country.

As in previous years, the dishes will be judged by the programme’s regular experts, Prue Leith, Oliver Peyton and Matthew Fort.

Nigel’s first appearance in the show starts today and he will be on at 6.30pm every night this week on BBC2.

And the dishes he serves up on TV will be on his own restaurant menu from the following week. Nigel will also be giving regular progress reports on www.northcote.com.

Mr Haworth is also partner in Ribble Valley Inns which owns the Clog and Billycock at Pleasington and The Three Fishes at Mitton.